LAUSR

In the current study, we synthesized a new nanomagnetic metal–organic framework Fe3O4@MIL-53(Al)-N(CH2PO3)2 and characterized it using various techniques. This nanomagnetic metal–organic framework was used for the synthesis of a wide range of nicotinonitrile derivatives as suitable drug candidates by a four-component reaction of 3-oxo-3-phenylpropanenitrile or 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-oxopropanenitrile, ammonium acetate (NH4OAc), acetophenone derivatives, and various aldehydes including those bearing electron-donating, electron-withdrawing, and halogen groups, which afforded desired products (27 samples) via a cooperative vinylogous anomeric-based oxidation (CVABO) mechanism under solvent-free conditions in excellent yields (68–90%) and short reaction times (40–60 min). Increasing the surface-to-volume ratio, easy separation of the catalyst using an external magnet, and high chemical and temperature stability are the advantages of the described nanomagnetic metal–organic frameworks.